In 2006, the French textile industry (including apparel) had 947 companies (with at least 20 persons) employing 86 070 people.  French textile companies (including apparel) generated a sales volume of USD 18.2 billions.  In 2006, total French textile imports (including apparel) were valued at USD 15.7 billions, while total French textile exports (including apparel) for the same period amounted to USD 10.5 billions.

The French textile industry is divided into the following three sectors: 

Apparel with the following sub-sectors:
Women’s wear  
Men’s wear  
Children’s wear
Baby-wear

Household textiles, representing about 8% of the textile industry.

Technical textiles, representing about 9% of the textile.  Technical textiles are particularly present in the following industries:

Transportation (26 percent)
Sport and Leisure (15 percent)
Construction (7 percent)
Medical (6 percent)
Agriculture (6 percent)
Packaging (5 percent)
Industrial protection (5 percent)
Miscellaneous industries (15 percent)

In 2006, the major textile suppliers were China (15%), Italy (13%), Germany (7%) and Belgium (6%), followed by Turkey (9%), India/Spain (4%) and Tunisia/Portugal/ Bangladesh (3%).  The ending of the quotas that took place on January 1st 2005 is still affecting considerably the textile industry.

Market analysts have observed a dynamic growth in trade, mainly driven by Asia, and China in particular, which has reinforced its position as the world’s number one exporter once again.  Consequently, Europeans and American suppliers have to face the challenge of competing against low-prices and large supplies representing a real challenge.

United States textile exports to France are mainly composed of sportswear and technical textiles.  The advantageous of American suppliers are their know-how and their ability to adapt quickly to the change. 

Best Products/Services       

The new challenges are to develop functional textiles called “textiles of the future” for the following industries:  transportation, construction, medical, health and well-being.

The U.S. technical textile manufacturers have a strong reputation for their technological know-how.  Best prospects within this sector are:

The textiles based on comfort, health and safety for the sport/leisure market (i.e.: anti-bacterial, anti-odor, breathable products);

Technical textiles for transportation (automotive and aeronautics) and health (hospitals, personal care, hygiene) industries.

Opportunities        

The best opportunities will be offered to U.S. companies, which are able to innovate new technologies, especially for “the textiles of the future” based on: comfort, functionality, health and safety.

Resources        

Sources and textile trade associations:

Union des Industries Textiles – U.I.T.
(Textile Trade Association)
37/39, rue de Neuilly
92110 Clichy
Tel: (+33-1) 47.56.31.00
Fax: (+33-1) 47.30.25.28
http://www.textile.fr
uit@N0SPAM.textile.fr

Union française des Industries de l’Habillement – U F I H
(French Trade Association for apparel industries)
8, rue Montesquieu
75001 Paris
Tel: (+33-1) 44.55.66.00
Fax: (+33-1) 44.55.66.66
http://www.ufih.fr

Centre de Renseignements Statistiques des Douanes
(French Customs Authorities – Statistical Data)
8, rue de la Tour des Dames
75436 Paris Cedex 09
Tel: (+33-1) 55.04.65.28
Fax: (+33-1) 55.04.65.30
http://www.douane.gouv.fr

Major trade shows:

Lingerie trade show –[http:// www.lingerie-paris.com]
(January 24-27, 2008) 
Lyon Mode City  (lingerie, swimwear and fabrics)
[http:// www.lyonmodecity.com]
(September 6- 8, 2008)
Interselection trade show (International fashion exhibition for multiple retailers)
http://www.interselection.net
(May 5-8, 2008 / November 2008)
Women’s wear trade show – http://www.pretaporter.fr
(January 24-27, 2008 / September 6-8, 2008)
Who’s Next trade show  (International Lab for Fashion Trends) – http://www.whosnext.com
(January 24-27, 2008 / September 6-8, 2008)
Premiere Vision (Fabrics trade show) – http://www.premierevision.fr
(February 19-22, 2008 for spring-summer 09 / June 4-5, 2008 for fall-winter 09-10)

U.S. Embassy Commercial Service Trade Specialists: Caroline.de.Villoutreys@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov
Phone: (+33-1) 43 12 76 98

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